Issue 154

Relax with Yoga

12th March 2007

I have never been the most flexible person, so when the opportunity arose for me to try out some Yoga with the Yoga Society I jumped at the chance to tone up my arms and discover muscles I had no idea existed.

The session itself lasted for about an hour and a half and by the end of it I was completely relaxed. Despite putting my body into some decidedly unattractive positions I felt somehow refreshed. By considering your body in a different light and really trying to engage with it and your inner soul, you are able to channel into an energy which helps you to focus and gives you that revitalised feeling.

Although admittedly I went along feeling a little sceptical about the benefits of Yoga, I was pleasantly surprised.

For me the most enjoyable part was the last half an hour where we layed in complete silence, whilst we focused on our bodies. It was a struggle not to fall asleep, something that the girl next to me was unable to resist.

President Amy Gee told us, "it got me through my exams; I don't know what I would have done without it!"

Clearly it is an activity that has many benefits and the more you do it the greater the benefits. It is also important to remember that Yoga is not exercise in the sense that it'll help you lose weight, it is purely only something that will help you to become more flexible and tone your muscles. So it is fantastic to combine it with a cardio exercise like running.

The society meets once a week on a Wednesday at 2pm in Dining Room C for a lesson. It costs £2 for members or £3 for nonmembers and they provide Yoga mats, all that you need to do is turn up.

Just before Christmas the society went on a trip to a day spa. They visited the Celtic Manor Spa in Newport, where they enjoyed a two hour Yoga class, a three course lunch, full use of the spa facilities and transport to and from the resort, all for £30 or £35 for nonmembers.

They are hoping to run a similar trip in the near future, as the one at the end of last term was so popular and successful.

The class is certainly very popular, attracting a range of people from freshers to members of staff. They have a great teacher who will help you no matter what your ability, the society is always open to new members and if you would like more information about the society then you can easily contact them at: uwsyogasociety@hotmail.co.uk

Dawn Lewis